Arvac (Canada)

Equine Arteritis Vaccine

Modified Live Virus

For Veterinary Use Only

Arvac Indications

For the vaccination of healthy non-stressed horses to stimulate the development of protection against viral abortion and respiratory infection due to Equine Arteritis Virus (EAV).

Composition

Arvac is a desiccated preparation containing viable modified Equine Arteritis Virus propagated on an equine cell line culture system.

Disease Information

Equine Arteritis Virus is known to infect only equines. The severity of the disease is variable ranging from highly acute to subclinical in nature. The acute disease is characterized clinically by fever, leukopenia, depression, nasal discharge, lacrimation, conjunctivitis, photophobia, edema of the face, limbs, transient maculopapular skin rash and produces abortion in pregnant mares. The most consistent clinical signs have been hyperthermia, leukopenia and edema of the eye. There may be colic, diarrhea and severe loss of weight with dehydration.

Dosage

Aseptically rehydrate to liquid form using the diluent supplied. Administer one 1 mL dose intramuscularly. Vaccinate males and young animals at any time, but stallions should be vaccinated not less than 3 weeks prior to breeding. Vaccinate mares preferably as maidens or when open. Mares in foal should not be vaccinated until after foaling and then not less than 3 weeks prior to breeding. Maiden and barren mares may be vaccinated any time but should be vaccinated not less than 3 weeks prior to breeding. See section on Caution. Repeat with annual booster dose.

Arvac Caution

Store in the dark at 2° to 7°C (35° to 45°F). Avoid freezing. Use entire contents within 60 minutes after rehydration. Burn container and all unused contents. Do not vaccinate within 21 days before slaughter. In case of anaphylactoid reaction, administer epinephrine.

The vaccinal virus has been modified to the extent that it may be irregularly infective when given by natural portals of entry. A high degree of safety has been demonstrated for horses of any age and pregnant mares.¹ However, the vaccination of foals under six weeks of age is not recommended except in emergency situations when threatened by natural exposure.

Pregnant mares should not be vaccinated during the last two months of gestation since a few instances of fetal invasion by vaccinal virus have been demonstrated during this period. It is preferable to immunize mares during the maiden or open periods; however, when pregnant mares are threatened by known natural exposure, vaccination may be undertaken with considerably less risk than is inherent in natural infection. Owners are to be advised of the possibility of fetal infection before vaccinating pregnant mares.

Mild post-vaccinal febrile reactions and normal total white counts with mild transient lymphopenia have occurred in some vaccinates. Vaccinated horses will serologically convert, a condition that should be kept in mind in the case of animals intended for export to countries with regulations regarding EAV.

Neomycin, polymyxin B and amphotericin B added as preservatives.

Reference

1. Development of a Modified Virus Strain and Vaccine for Equine Viral Arteritis. William H. McCollum PhD., JAVMA, Vol. 155 #2, July 15, 1969.

Manufactured by Fort Dodge Laboratories, Inc., Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 USA

U.S. Vet. License No. 112

Trademarks used under license

Distributed in Canada by Wyeth Animal Health, Division of Wyeth Canada, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

C1700E

Presentation

Nac No.